What does the Boxing Day forecast mean for the fires?
There are concerns an already out-of-control bushfire in the state’s west could worsen in coming days with temperatures expected to soar across Victoria.
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Three bushfires are currently burning out of control across the state, with emergency authorities warning soaring temperatures on Boxing Day could be “catastrophic”.
“Boxing Day is going to be problematic. Boxing Day is going to be a big day for our state,” Deputy Premier Ben Carroll said on Monday.
“The advice is very clear. This is the beginning of what will be a long, hot and dangerous bushfire season.
“The fire that we don’t know about is the fire we are worried about.”
Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent said there are currently three fires burning out of control across Victoria.
There are fears the fire at the Grampians in the state’s west, which has so far burnt through 40,000 hectares of land, will spread “rapidly” on Thursday.
Eighteen fire bombing aircraft’s and 300 firefighters are working to control that blaze.
Firefighters are also working to build a perimeter around a fire at The Gurdies, in South Gippsland, which has already burnt through 200 hectares.
“That fire has enormous potential to grow on Thursday,” Forest Fire Management chief fire officer Chris Hardman said.
West of Gisborne, another fire is burning out of control which authorities fear could spread into the northern suburbs of Ballarat.
“There is a power of work being done to control that fire,” Mr Hardman added.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said it wouldn’t be uncommon for power outages and loss of internet on Boxing Day.
Mr Heffernan said Victorians couldn’t afford to be complacent on Boxing Day.
He said people needed to download the VicEmergency app on their phone.
“Every Victorian needs to have that app on their phone and on them on Boxing Day,” he said.
Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward urged Victorians to not travel unnecessarily on Boxing Day.
“We need you to be safe,” she said.
“Please take this seriously.”
What emergency warnings are in place?
VicEmergency issued an evacuation order on Monday for residents in Bellfield, Bellfield Settlement, Flat Rock Crossing, Fyans Creek, Grampians Junction and Halls Gap.
The bushfire, at Grampians National Park on Yarram Gap Rd, is still raging across the area, moving in a northerly direction towards Halls Gap.
The warning said the blaze had reached Lake Bellfield.
The emergency service issued a “watch and act” warning for residents in Barton, Mafeking, Watgania, Lake Fyans, Pomonal, Bellellen, Black Range, Great Western, Jallukar, Lake Fyans, Londonderry, Moyston, Rhymney and Willaura North.
Bushfire - Watch and Act for Grampians National Park - Yarram Gap Road. You should monitor conditions, as they are changing. For more info: https://t.co/AuJqLOQugV#VicFires
— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) December 23, 2024
Residents in Fyans Creek, Lake Lonsdale, Ledcourt, Mokepilly, Mount Dryde, Wartook, Zumsteins, Bornes Hill, Grampians, Jimmy Creek, Mirranatwa, Victoria Valley, Kia Ora and Willaura were being urged to “stay informed”
There are two relief centres open – in Ararat at the Alexandra Oval Community Centre and in Stawell at the Grampians Community Health.
How long is it expected to last?
Victorians in the area have been urged to stay alert on Boxing Day as scorching temperatures are expected to intensify the dangerous bushfire.
“Milder conditions overnight have seen a reduction in fire activity (in the Grampians) however the situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act,” VicEmergency said on Monday.
“Hotter and windier conditions are forecast for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Plan accordingly.”
More than 300 firefighters are currently battling the blaze, with the Victorian Country Fire Authority warning it could take weeks to put out the fire.
In Melbourne, temperatures are forecast to reach 30C on Christmas Day and 40C on Boxing Day.
It will be hotter in regional areas of the state, with Stawell and Ararat expected to reach 35C on Christmas Day and 40C on Boxing Day, and Horsham tipping past 42C on Thursday.
Most of Victoria has been issued a high fire danger warning on Monday morning, with residents in Mallee, Northern Country, Wimmera, North Central, North East, Central and South West.
Residents in Melbourne have also been advised to take extra caution as temperatures increase over the week.
A “catastrophic” fire danger will be issued for Wimmera on Thursday, while Mallee, Northern Country, North Central, Central, and South West regions will be issued with extreme fire danger.
A high fire danger will be in effect for residents in North East, East, West and South Gippsland.
“Boxing Day is a big travel day right across the state, so we urge those travelling to download the VicEmergency app before you go,” Victorian Country Fire Authority’s deputy chief officer Garry Cook said.
Can I travel to the Grampians?
Mr Heffernan said it was not safe to travel near the Grampians.
He urged people to reconsider their travel plans.
Emergency services warn the current situation is dynamic.
“There is currently no threat to you, but you should stay informed and plan for what you will do if the situation changes,” it said.
VicEmergency urged residents to monitor weather conditions and warnings and review their fire survival plan.
They warned nearby areas will be impacted by smoke and road closures.
“Bushfires can spread quickly and are extremely dangerous,” they said.
“Trees can be extremely dangerous during a bushfire or high winds. Do not stand, park or travel in areas of fire affected trees.”
I have a booking nearby, what should I do?
Travellers should contact their booking provider and accommodation services for further assistance.
The Grampians National Park is closed to visitors. Further information can be found on the Parks Victoria website.
Originally published as What does the Boxing Day forecast mean for the fires?
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